High-fat Meal Challenge in Pediatrics

Implications of Insulin Resistance and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the Metabolic Response to a High-fat Meal Challenge in Pediatrics

The objective is to determine if how physical fitness, measured using a treadmill maximal oxidative capacity test, is associated with the capacity to metabolize a high-fat meal in pediatrics (ages 8-17 years). Ability to metabolize the meal will be assessed by profiling mitochondrial and extra-mitochondrial fatty acid metabolites. The investigators will test if fatty acid oxidation mediates the relationship between fitness and markers of metabolic health, such as insulin resistance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children ages 8-17 years with a BMI-percentile ≥ 5th.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous diagnosis of type 1 or 2 diabetes.
• Use of concurrent medications known to affect glucose metabolism (metformin, oral steroids, sulfonylureas, insulin).
• Evidence of inherited disorders of lipid metabolism.
• Inability to participant in the maximal aerobic capacity test on the treadmill.
• Allergies to palm oils or protein types within high-fat challenge, such as lactose and soy.
• Individuals who cannot speak and/or write in English.